Organization Mission

Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands (ESSI) is an organization that specializes in the environment. It is comprised of qualified and leading ichthyologists, ecologists, botanists, and environmental project managers with decades of experience in conducting environmental projects in the Solomon Islands. We combine local expertise and knowledge as well as overseas experience in environmental and field assessments. In a developing country like the Solomon Islands, with exceptional biodiversity values, and rich natural resources, it is our aim to lead the debate on environmental issues, influence policy and shape development to achieve outstanding client success. We have experience with conducting Environmental Impact Studies, and are also engaged with community-based organizations to manage, and conserve the natural ecosystems of the earth. Maintaining this balance is critical to our vision of a sustainable and efficient environment and future. Our aim is to provide services, and advice to our clients that is up to date and accurate, to find solutions to ecological problems that best maintains and sustains ecosystem services or in the case of already degrade landscapes to assist natural mechanisms of rehabilitation that ensures ecosystem functions have the opportunity to recover and flourish.

Our approach to environmental sustainability includes the following ideals;

We aspire to create a balance between resource development, and management and conservation of natural resources. In this holistic paradigm we perceive the establishment of protected areas and managed areas as imperative. And that resource extraction is managed within clear, transparent and stringent management plans.

Improved taxonomic and ecological knowledge of species and ecosystems within our oceanic islands is critical. We desire to implement steps that ensures the persistence of species populations, the restoration of species in the event that extirpations have occurred, or the restoration of landscape integrity in areas/islands that have been heavily exploited.

To increase local understanding and appreciation of natural history through media (print, internet, audio and visual) and awareness materials and talks.

Finally as locals, we are well aware that the word 'conservation' is a foreign concept from our traditional context. Management, controlled harvesting or the implementation of community conservation agreements between NGOs or industry and local communities to offset resource use is integral to building community interest and social investment. We are interested in exploring alternative approaches to the conservation of species or ecosystems. This could be through collaborating with local social institutions like churches, or tribal communities or other social mechanisms, etc to implement methods for the conservation of species and protection of rainforests.

As part of our charitable effort, we have published a grassroots magazine called as Melanesian Geo. The aim of this publication is the dissemination of environmental information in an easy to read format that highlights the exceptional values of the Melanesian region. In addition we are involved in on the ground conservation efforts, partnering with communities, local and international NGOs, government departments, universities and international research institutions, and industries to increase awareness of the natural environment, invest in areas of high conservation value, and manage development aspirations.